Melania Trump has returned to the public eye as the White House releases her official portrait, marking her re-assumption of the role of first lady. Captured by the skilled lens of Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux, the image reflects Melania Trump’s readiness to step back into her position.
The Artistic Eye of Régine Mahaux
Renowned for her long-standing relationship with the Trump family, Régine Mahaux has been photographing them for over two decades, including intimate family portraits at their Trump Tower in New York. Mahaux was also responsible for Melania’s official portrait during Donald Trump’s first term in 2017.
Mahaux expressed her admiration for Melania, noting her “great sense of humor” and the “peaceful atmosphere” she maintains during shoots. “The first lady is a very creative person to do shootings with, which makes the job as an artist that much more interesting,” Mahaux shared with Business Insider. She described Melania as someone with “strong work ethics and morals” who has consistently placed her trust in the photographer.
The choice of black and white for the portrait was deliberate. Mahaux explained it was because “the first lady is a modern woman who has always been fond of black and white.”
Elegance in Dolce & Gabbana
In the portrait, Melania Trump dons an elegant Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo suit. The ensemble includes a Twill Turlington tuxedo jacket priced at $3,245, paired with wool gabardine tuxedo pants costing $1,495, and a stretch poplin tuxedo shirt for $925. Hervé Pierre, known for designing her inaugural gowns, styled Melania for the shoot.
Her choice of a black suit mirrors her style from the 2017 White House portrait, also featuring a Dolce & Gabbana ensemble.
A Symbolic Pose
The setting for the new portrait is the Yellow Oval Room in the White House, a formal living space for the first family. The Washington Monument visible through the window adds a significant backdrop to the composition. Melania, dressed in a crisp suit, is seen leaning on a table—a pose reminiscent of the boardroom scenes from Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice.” Mahaux describes the portrait as portraying Melania Trump as “an active, hardworking woman” who embodies qualities of being “strong, respectful, and elegant.”
“I find it to be powerful and it shows a woman who’s ready to embrace her position,” Mahaux remarked.
With her portrait unveiled, Melania has signaled a more public role in this second term. She has recently published her memoir, “Melania,” and is set to be the executive producer for a forthcoming documentary about her life as first lady, which Amazon is reportedly licensing for $40 million.
Be First to Comment